Young Artist Program

Spend your summer singing in Asheville!

The Summer Young Artist Program is offered to singers for 6 weeks each summer. While in residence, young artists prepare a recital of scenes and arias from standard opera and musical theatre repertoire for touring performances in Western Carolina.

The 2017 Asheville Lyric Opera Summer Young Artist Program will be held from June 5 – July 19. While in residence, apprentices will perform a program of opera scenes on a tour of Western Carolina, perform roles and covers in a professional production with Asheville Lyric Opera, and receive intensive training with our staff of three opera professionals that work with the company regularly. This training will include 2 – 3 lessons per week, diction coaching, acting training, professional development (resume, career guidance, etc.), and group rehearsals on performed repertoire. Previous participants frequently mention the low student/teacher ratio (2/1) and the intense personal attention they receive as highlights of their experience with us. Our recent alumni have gone on to success in advanced graduate programs as well as prestigious festivals like Central City and the Aspen Festival.

The total cost of the program is $1,500. Substantial scholarships are available. Guest housing is provided. There is a $30 non-refundable application fee. The application deadline is December 2, 2016.

Directors:

Elizabeth Truitt,, soprano, has performed with Asheville Lyric Opera as the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro, Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, and the First Lady in The Magic Flute, and at numerous other companies across the United States. She is currently teaching voice at Ball State University and has years of experience teaching students in both the operatic and musical theatre repertoire.

Jon Truitt, stage director/baritone, has had a ten-year career directing professional opera across the United States, including productions of Don Giovanni, Magic Flute, Le nozze di Figaro, Barber of Seville, Die Fledermaus, Pagliacci, Suor Angelica, and Madama Butterfly with Asheville Lyric Opera. As an operatic baritone, he has performed over forty roles with opera companies across the country, and currently is the Director of Opera at Ball State University.

Accompanist:

Leslie Downs, pianist/coach, enjoys playing many styles of music. For 16 years he worked as a freelance pianist/teacher/vocal coach in New York City. He holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma, Yale University, and Centenary College of Louisiana. He currently serves as Music Director for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville and maintains a private piano studio.